A new independently owned bike shop plans to open in downtown Morganton and the City approved a contract for the design and construction of the skate park in Monday night's regular Morganton City Council meeting. Overmountain Cycles is planning to open in downtown Morganton beside the Fonta Flora Brewery. Owner Michael Lowther requested a CBDG small business loan in the amount of $15,000 to assist in purchasing inventory for the new store. Besides selling bicycles, apparel and accessories, the shop will offer bicycle mechanic service. Council approved the small business loan unanimously. Council also approved a contract for the design and construction of the much anticipated skate park. Adira Construction was awarded the contract and the park will be located in the lower field at Gene Turner Park, behind the Collett Street Rec and outdoor pool. The City of Morganton, Morganton Parks and Recreation Foundation, the Optimist Club and the Morganton Service League are funding the project. The contract amount is $192,000. Council also approved a budget amendment in the amount of $12,000 to appropriate funds from the Morganton Service League for the skate park.

The Burke County Board of Education was awarded a Golden Leaf Grant in Monday night's regular Burke County Board of Education meeting. The Senior Vice President of Golden Leaf, Mark Sorrells, presented the Board of Education with a $200,000 check for the Golden Leaf Grant to be used to fund the implementation of a one-to-one digital learning initiative for middle school students and teachers. It will have a strong focus on building teacher leaders and will assist the district in purchasing devices for 6th grade students and teachers. The grant will also assist in professional development through a partnership with the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to strengthen the district's evaluation plan. Superintendent Larry Putnam announced the opening of a position on the Western Piedmont Community College's Board of Trustees for June. Trustees are appointed by the Burke County Board of Education and the board voted to post the vacancy soon.

A McDowell County mother of four is charged with abuse. 56-year-old Pamela Corpening of Marion faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, attempted assault by strangulation, and communicating threats. A release states McDowell County Social Services received a report of alleged abuse in the home. Further investigation revealed there was some physical abuse, but mainly mental abuse toward the children. McDowell officers report Corpening has four children; ranging from ages ten to eighteen.